CAMARILLO, Calif. (AP) - An 18-year-old Ventura County man accused of dousing his family's dog with lighter fluid and setting it on fire in a ravine near their home has pleaded no contest to animal cruelty and arson charges.

The Ventura County Star reports Andrew Delgado entered the plea on Friday.

Superior Court Judge Kevin McGee told Delgado that he could be sentenced to as many as three years in jail. However, McGee said that Judge Bruce Young, who will issue the sentence, has indicated he will sentence Delgado to no more than 16 months behind bars.

Sentencing is set for Feb. 13.

Delgado didn't say why he burned the 3-year-old basset hound named Buddy, but said he was under the influence of drugs when it happened. The dog died of its burns.

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